Pennsylvania Electricity Rates

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Deregulation started in the late 1990s but residents didn't feel the effects right away because the legislature put in place rates caps that didn't expire until recently. Now that rate caps are gone, more and more Pennsylvania residents and businesses are discovering how valuable the PA Power Switch program is. Choosing a new energy supply plan thanks to PA electric choice can potentially save you money and give you the power to switch to a supplier you prefer.

Whether you live or work in Pittsburgh or Philadelphia or another area of the state, find your city below to learn more!

What is Pennsylvania electric choice?

The Electricity Generation Choice and Competition Act, passed by the state legislature in 1997, allowed for PA electric choice. Initially, the ability to choose electricity in Pennsylvania had a limited effect on individuals. The state took precautions to ease the transition to the new model by placing rate caps on utilities across the state, but in 2011 the last rate cap expired.

Electric choice took the sole responsibility of supplying electricity away from the utilities and offered it to Pennsylvania electric suppliers as well. These suppliers purchase electricity wholesale and sell it directly to consumers while utilities deliver power through the existing infrastructure of transmission lines. Of course, consumers can continue to receive supply from their utility. Utilities remain responsible for maintaining electrical infrastructure in your area. If you notice a power outage or electrical emergency, report it to your local utility immediately.

What is Pennsylvania gas choice?

The deregulation of the gas market soon followed the electricity switch when the Natural Gas Choice and Competition Act was signed into law in 1999. Similar to the PA electric choice system, the legislation gave Pennsylvania residential and business customers the opportunity to choose which Pennsylvania company supplies their gas.

As with the power program, your relationship with your local utility will remain regardless of what retail supplier you choose, whether it's an independent gas supplier or your utility. It will continue to deliver your gas supply through the pipes that run underneath your neighborhood and ensure that the system is working properly. Any issues with your gas supply, such as a leak, should be reported to your utility immediately.